Iran coach Marzieh Jafari says her team fears for their families back home as war rages and players are “completely disconnected” from them during the Women’s Asian Cup.
The Iranian team is preparing to face host nation Australia on the Gold Coast on Thursday after a 3-0 defeat to South Korea in the first match of the continental tournament.
They will again begin the bombardment of their homeland by the United States and Israel.
The internet outage has made it almost impossible for players and staff to contact anyone and Jafari is grateful for the support they have received from Iranian Australians.
“We’re so happy that Iranian Australians are here supporting us,” she told Australian media on Wednesday.
Obviously we care so much about our families, our loved ones and all the other people in our country that we are completely disconnected from.
“We play football professionally here and we will do our best to focus on the match ahead.”
Striker Sarah Didar fought back tears as she spoke of her worries.
“Obviously we’re all concerned and we’re sad about what happened to Iran, our families and our loved ones,” the 21-year-old told reporters.
At least 787 people have been killed across Iran in joint U.S.-Israeli attacks that began Saturday, the Iranian Red Crescent Society said.